Two emergency orders are making it easier for Kauaʻi residents to repair homes and stay on the road in the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell and Sept. 9 Kāpule Building fire.
Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami signed an emergency order Sept. 18 waiving certain repair permits, storm debris disposal fees and property record fees for storm-damaged homes and businesses.
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green signed a supplemental emergency proclamation Sept. 22 waiving penalties and extending deadlines for residents whose driver’s licenses expired while the Līhuʻe Division of Motor Vehicles offices have been unable to process renewals.
“Our families have been through a lot these past couple of weeks, and the last thing anyone needs is a permit fee or an expired license standing in the way of getting back on their feet,” said Kawakami. “These orders clear the path so our people can focus on rebuilding their homes and taking care of their ʻohana. We’ll keep working alongside our community every step of the way.”
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Driver’s licenses
- Expired licenses, permits and state IDs: If your driver’s license, permit or state ID expired and you could not renew it because of the Division of Motor Vehicles closure, you will have extra time to renew and not be penalized. It does not apply to licenses or permits suspended, revoked or invalid for other reasons.
- Renewals are still on hold: Driver’s license and state ID transactions cannot be processed on Kauaʻi until the county’s connection to the state mainframe is restored. There is no firm date yet.
- No need to fly to another island: Call the Division of Motor Vehicles at 808-241-1949 and staff will walk you through your situation. Staff also are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the mobile trailer in the Līhuʻe Civic Center parking lot and the Kapaʻa Armory.
- Air travel: The Transportation Security Administration sets its own ID rules at airport checkpoints. Check the TSA website before you travel.
- Vehicle registration: Renewals are available online and at community kiosks in Hanapēpē, Līhuʻe, Kapaʻa and Princeville.
Repairing your home and property
Fixing storm damage: Except for shoreline properties, if your home or building was built with a county permit, you do not need a new permit to make necessary repairs for Hurricane Lowell damage. There is no fee. The work must still meet building codes. This includes building, electrical, plumbing, driveway and sign repairs. Email to building@kauai.gov for any questions.
Dumping storm debris: There is no fee to drop off Hurricane Lowell debris at Kekaha Landfill or county transfer stations. This applies to homes and businesses. The waiver covers hurricane debris only; regular commercial trash is still charged the usual fee. The three-quarter-ton vehicle load limit still applies at all transfer stations. Bulky items are accepted only at Līhuʻe transfer station and Kekaha Landfill.
Clearing debris on your property: You do not need a permit to clear and pile storm debris on your land. Email to pwengineering@kauai.gov with any questions.
Property records for insurance or disaster assistance: Property assessment and tax records are available at no cost for insurance claims or federal disaster assistance. Visit the county property tax website to access assessment notices dating back to 2019, conveyance information, current tax bills and payment history. Real Property staff are also available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the former Purchasing Office in Līhuʻe Civic Center, directly across from the Real Property Division’s former office.
Property tax relief: If your home or building was damaged, you might qualify for property tax relief. File a notice of claim for disaster relief by June 30, 2027, online. Damage to fences and fallen trees does not qualify.
Sewer bills: If your home was damaged and is no longer connected to county sewer, you will not be charged sewer fees. Late fees and interest on all sewer bills are waived through Nov. 17. Pay by mail using the return envelope included with your bill, at the drop box at the Moʻikeha Building or online. Email to publicworks@kauai.gov with any questions.
If you own property near the shoreline
Repair and reconstruction of damaged structures near the shoreline require a special management area assessment determination before work begins. Some fees are waived to help with shoreline repairs. Contact the Planning Department at planningdepartment@kauai.gov before starting any work.
If you have a permit pending with Planning
Expect delays while county systems are restored. Planning staff are available at the Building Division counter, 4444 Rice St., Suite 175, .Līhuʻe
How long this lasts
County waivers are in effect through Nov. 17. License relief under the governor’s proclamation is in effect through Nov. 21.
Sign up for the county’s Everbridge emergency notifications by visiting the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website and clicking “Notification Services,” texting “KAUAIEMA” to 888777 or calling the agency at 808-241-1800.
